Upstream Bioprocess Scientist – Microbial Fermentation

We are supporting a high-growth, innovation-led organisation operating within biologics development. This role sits within a well-established Technical Operations team, focused on delivering upstream bioprocess solutions to a broad range of pharmaceutical and biotech clients.

The Role

This is a hands-on position focused on the development, optimisation, and scale-up of microbial fermentation processes. You will work across multiple bioreactor scales, contributing to process design, data-driven optimisation, and technology transfer activities within a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and optimising microbial fermentation processes (bacterial, yeast, fungal systems)
• Designing and executing experiments across mini, bench, and pilot-scale bioreactors
• Driving media development, parameter optimisation, and yield improvement
• Establishing scale-down models and supporting scale-up activities
• Contributing to technology transfer into manufacturing environments
• Applying DoE, statistical modelling, and data analysis to improve process performance
• Integrating upstream processes with downstream and broader process workflows
• Providing technical input across projects and supporting junior team members
• Collaborating with analytical, downstream, and manufacturing teams

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, or related field
• Extensive experience in microbial fermentation / industrial microbiology.
• Strong hands-on experience with bioreactors
• Experience with batch, fed-batch, and/or continuous fermentation processes
• Proven experience in media optimisation, scale-up, and process troubleshooting
• Familiarity with DoE, statistical analysis, and data-driven process development
• Experience with process control systems, automation, or data integration tools
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally

101228